Intestinal malabsorption (K90) ICD-10-CM
The K90 code range covers intestinal malabsorption with 17 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 13 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- intestinal malabsorption following gastrointestinal surgery K91.2
Codes in the K90 Range 17 codes · 13 billable
- K90 Intestinal malabsorptionNon-billable
- K90.0 Celiac disease
- K90.1 Tropical sprue
- K90.2 Blind loop syndrome, not elsewhere classified
- K90.3 Pancreatic steatorrhea
- K90.4 Other malabsorption due to intoleranceNon-billable
- K90.41 Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
- K90.49 Malabsorption due to intolerance, not elsewhere classified
- K90.8 Other intestinal malabsorptionNon-billable
- K90.81 Whipple's disease
- K90.82 Short bowel syndromeNon-billable
- K90.821 Short bowel syndrome with colon in continuity
- K90.822 Short bowel syndrome without colon in continuity
- K90.829 Short bowel syndrome, unspecified
- K90.83 Intestinal failure
- K90.89 Other intestinal malabsorption
- K90.9 Intestinal malabsorption, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the K90 range.
Blind Loop Syndrome
A malabsorption syndrome that is associated with a blind loop in the upper SMALL INTESTINE that is characterized by the lack of peristaltic movement, stasis of INTESTINAL CONTENTS, and the overgrowth of BACTERIA. Such bacterial overgrowth interferes with BILE SALTS action, FATTY ACIDS processing, MICROVILLI integrity, and the ABSORPTION of nutrients such as VITAMIN B12 and FOLIC ACID.
Celiac Disease
A malabsorption syndrome that is precipitated by the ingestion of foods containing GLUTEN, such as wheat, rye, and barley. It is characterized by INFLAMMATION of the SMALL INTESTINE, loss of MICROVILLI structure, failed INTESTINAL ABSORPTION, and MALNUTRITION.
Intestinal Failure
Various intestinal diseases functionally defined as having reduced intestine function requiring PARENTERAL NUTRITION.
Parenteral Nutrition
The administering of nutrients for assimilation and utilization by a patient who cannot maintain adequate nutrition by enteral feeding alone. Nutrients are administered by a route other than the alimentary canal (e.g., intravenously, subcutaneously).
Short Bowel Syndrome
A malabsorption syndrome resulting from extensive operative resection of the SMALL INTESTINE, the absorptive region of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.
About the K90 Code Range
Intestinal malabsorption ICD-10 codes in the K90 category classify various conditions where the small intestine cannot properly absorb nutrients. These codes cover specific causes like celiac disease (K90.0), tropical sprue (K90.1), and Whipple's disease (K90.81), along with broader malabsorption issues due to intolerance or intestinal failure.
These codes are essential for describing digestive disorders characterized by inadequate nutrient uptake. For example, K90.0 includes celiac disease, also known by synonyms like sprue or gluten intolerance, helping medical coders identify this autoimmune disorder linked to gluten. K90.1 refers to tropical sprue, associated with megaloblastic anemia from poor folate absorption. Blind loop syndrome (K90.2) and pancreatic steatorrhea (K90.3) represent malabsorption from bacterial overgrowth and pancreatic insufficiency, respectively. The section also specifies codes for non-celiac gluten sensitivity (K90.41), different types of short bowel syndrome (K90.82 series), and general malabsorption not elsewhere classified (K90.49, K90.89, K90.9), often linked to symptoms like chronic diarrhea or nutritional deficiencies. The ICD-10 code for intestinal malabsorption allows precise documentation of these diverse gastrointestinal disorders for effective diagnosis and treatment planning.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the K90 range?
Of the 17 codes in this range, 13 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the K90 range classify?
The range classifies intestinal malabsorption. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
